While the curved screened Gear S’ unique
selling point is its cellular connection via a separate SIM card, a second Wi-Fi only version has been listed by a Japanese network. That means users
won’t need to buy a separate cellular plan with their smartwatch, which could
boost its appeal.

The need for a separate plan has been a
sticking point for many potential buyers, not only due to the extra cost, but
the need for a different telephone number.

Some networks, such as O2 in the UK, have
already launched sharer plans for data, but it still means your Samsung
smartwatch would have a different number to your actual phone – a logistical nightmare.

While the news is cause for cautious
celebration – remember, there’s no confirmation that the model will be launched
beyond Japan – there is a downside.

The culling of the cellular features seems
to have sacrificed GPS connectivity, which was one of the top features of the
Gear S. Built-in GPS adds serious sports credentials, and the full-featured Gear S certainly
seemed to be the smartwatch of choice for fitness fans.

We’ve contacted Samsung to find out if
there are any plans to release the Gear S Wi-Fi outside Japan and confirmation
on the GPS features, and we’ll update the story as soon as we hear any
information.